Apparatus and method for improving swimmer performance

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure describes some embodiments of an apparatus including a measurement panel to enable generation of a measurement related to one or more data points associated with a swimmer&#39;s stroke. The disclosure also describes an embodiment of a method including processing one or more images associated with a plurality of model swimmers to obtain information related to at least two structural data points related to a swimming stroke having a catch phase, processing one or more images associated with a target swimmer to obtain information related to the at least two structural data points associated with a target swimmer&#39;s catch phase, and generating one or more recommendations to change the catch phase of the target swimmer to bring the catch phase of the target swimmer closer to the model swimmer&#39;s catch phase.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This patent application claims the benefit of priority of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/835,205, filed Dec. 7, 2017, which applicationis herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Improving a swimmer's performance, propulsion speed, is a complexprocess dependent on the science of physics and fluid dynamics andchanges to the swimmer's stroke on the order of two or threecentimeters. Translation of the science of swimming to effective,practical guidance for solving the problem of improving a swimmer'sperformance at the Olympic or world record holder level is substantiallynon-existent. There are no standards that identify the optimum rangesfor parameters that define the complex motions of elite swimmers. Evenidentifying deficiencies in a particular swimmer's mechanics at thecentimeter scale is difficult. Providing guidance that enables a swimmerto make the correct mechanical change at this scale has proved elusive.Historically, coaches have provided vague, abstract verbal cues todirect a swimmer to change her stroke. Unfortunately, the swimmer oftenis unable to translate those cues into mechanical movements that improveperformance. For these and other reasons there is a need for the subjectmatter of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments an apparatus includes a measurement panel to enablegeneration of a measurement related to one or more data pointsassociated with a swimmer's stroke, wherein the measurement panelincludes a measurement grid to provide a standard for measuring the oneor more data points associated with the swimmer's stroke.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1(a) shows an illustration of a perspective view of an apparatusincluding a measurement panel to enable generation of a measurementrelated to one or more data points associated with a swimmer's stroke inaccordance with some embodiments of the preset disclosure.

FIG. 1(b) shows an illustration of a front view of the measurement panelshown in FIG. 1(a) in accordance with some embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 1(c) shows an illustration a perspective view of an apparatusincluding the measurement panel shown in FIG. 1(a) and a firststabilizing structure coupled to the measurement panel and a secondstabilizing structure coupled to the measurement panel in accordancewith some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1(d) shows an illustration of a side view of the first stabilizingstructure, shown in FIG. 1(c), and an adjustable tee structure inaccordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1(e) shows an illustration of a front view of the measurementpanel, shown in FIG. 1(a), positioned in a swimming pool having asurface and positioned at least partially below the surface of the waterand substantially parallel to the surface of the water in accordancewith some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1(f) shows an illustration of a top view of a swimmer's path in aswimming pool in relation to the measurement panel shown in FIG. 1(a)and a first camera aligned substantially perpendicular to themeasurement panel and a second camera aligned substantiallyperpendicular to the measurement panel in accordance with someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram of a method for recording an image of aswimmer in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of a method for generating a measurementassociated with a model swimmer in accordance with some embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram for a method for generating data pointsrelated to a target swimmer's performance in accordance with someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of a method for generating recommendationsfor changing a target swimmer's performance in accordance with someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram of a method for generating recommendationsfor changing the catch phase of a target swimmer's stroke in accordancewith some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram of a method for generating a recommendationfor changing a target swimmer's stroke after contrasting the targetswimmer's stroke with a model swimmer's stroke in accordance with someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 shows an illustration of superimposed images including an imageof the measurement grid and a head-on view of a model swimmer's arm anda target swimmer's arm at the diagonal phase of each swimmer's stroke inaccordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1(a) shows an illustration of a perspective view of an apparatus100 including a measurement panel 102 to enable generation of ameasurement related to one or more data points associated with aswimmer's stroke in accordance with some embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The dimensions of length 104 and width 106 of themeasurement panel 102 are selected to enable imaging of at least onecomplete cycle of a swimmer's stroke. A thickness 108 dimension isselected so that the measurement panel 102 is relatively light for easeof transportation and positioning in a swimming pool. Thus, in someembodiments, the measurement panel 102 has a length 104 of between aboutseven feet and about nine feet, a width 106 of between abouttwo-and-one-half feet and about four feet, and a thickness 108 ofbetween about one-tenth of an inch and about three-tenths of an inch. Insome embodiments, the thickness 108 is about 0.135 inches.

FIG. 1(b) shows an illustration of a front view of the measurement panel102 shown in FIG. 1(a) in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent disclosure. The measurement panel 102 includes a measurementgrid 110 to provide a standard for measuring the one or more data pointsassociated with a swimmer's stroke. The measurement grid 110 includes anetwork of horizontal members 112 and vertical members 114 that crosseach other to form a series of holes, such as hole 116, having asubstantially square or rectangular shape defined by the verticalmembers 114 and the horizontal members 112. In some embodiments, theseries of holes included in the measurement grid 110 includes an arrayof holes, each hole in the array of holes having an area of about 2.25square inches. For the measurement grid 110 the array, an orderedarrangement of holes, includes a series of substantially parallelhorizontal rows of holes and a series of substantially parallel verticalcolumns of holes. In some embodiments, each hole, such as the hole 116,in the array of holes is substantially square having a length of about1.5 inches and a width of about 1.5 inches. In some embodiments, thehole 116 has a hole length 117 of between about one inch and about twoinches and a hole width 119 of between about one inch and about twoinches. In some embodiments, the hole length 117 is substantially equalto the hole width 119.

The horizontal members 112 and the vertical members 114 are not limitedto being formed from a particular material. In some embodiments, thehorizontal members 112 and the vertical members 114 are formed fromstainless steel, such as stainless steel wire. In some embodiments, thehorizontal members 112 and the vertical members 114 are formed from anon-metal. When formed from metal wire, the horizontal members 112 andthe vertical members 114 have a diameter of between about one-tenth ofan inch and about three-tenths of an inch. In some embodiments, thehorizontal members 112 and the vertical members 114 have a diameter ofabout 0.135 inches. The measurement grid 110 also includes a tophorizontal edge 118, a bottom horizontal edge 120, a first vertical edge122 and a second vertical edge 124.

In some embodiments, in forming the measurement grid 110, the horizontalmembers 112 are interwoven with the vertical members 114 to formintersections of the horizontal members 112 and the vertical members114, such as intersection 126. Interweaving the horizontal members 112and the vertical members 114 increases the strength of the measurementgrid 110. In some embodiments, each of the intersections, such as anintersection 126, is welded to provide additional structural strength tothe measurement grid 110.

The horizontal members 112 and the vertical members 114 of themeasurement grid 110 may be coated or uncoated. A coating may providebetter resolution of the horizontal members 112 and the vertical members114 when imaged and used to measure data points of a swimmer's stroke. Acoating may also prevent corrosion in a chemically reactive environment,such as a swimming pool. One exemplary coating, suitable for use inconnection with the fabrication of the horizontal members 112 and thevertical members 114, is powder black. A powder coating creates a hardfinish that is substantially unreactive with the chemicals associatedwith a swimming pool environment. The word “black” in “powder black”denotes a dark color resulting from the substantially completeabsorption of light. Any coating that increases the contrast between themeasurement, measurement grid 110 and an imaged swimmer is suitable foruse in connection with the fabrication of the measurement grid 110.

FIG. 1(c) shows an illustration of a perspective view of an apparatus128 including the measurement panel 102 shown in FIG. 1(a) and a firststabilizing structure 130 coupled to the measurement panel 100 and asecond stabilizing structure 132 coupled to the measurement panel 100 inaccordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The firststabilizing structure 130 and the second stabilizing structure 132provide stabilization of the measurement panel 100 when deployed in aswimming pool. Stabilization is provided by coupling the firststabilization structure 130 to the first vertical edge 122 (shown inFIG. 1(b)) of the measurement panel 100 at an angle of about ninetydegrees and the second stabilization structure 132 to the secondvertical edge 124 (shown in FIG. 1(b)) of the measurement panel 102 atan angle of about ninety degrees. Coupling may be provided by fasteners,such as screw-and-bolt fasteners. Thus, the measurement panel 102without tipping can be aligned substantially parallel to the path of aswimmer to capture a side view of the swimmer's stroke overlaid on themeasurement grid 110 or substantially perpendicular to the path of aswimmer to capture a front view of the swimmer's stroke through themeasurement grid 110.

The first stabilizing structure 130 and the second stabilizing structure132 are designed to provide a low resistance when being moved throughthe water of a swimming pool. One exemplary design suitable for use inconnection with the fabrication of the first stabilization structure 130and the second stabilization structure 132 is substantially similar tothe design of the measurement grid 110 shown in FIG. 1(b). Horizontaland vertical members are arranged to provide a grid of holes in thefirst stabilizing structure 130 and the second stabilizing structure132. Since images the first stabilizing structure 130 and the secondstabilizing structure 132 are not being combined with images of aswimmer, restrictions on the size of the holes and the selection ofcontrast coatings are less important. When coupled to the measurementpanel 102 in the apparatus 128, the first stabilizing structure 130 andthe second stabilizing structure 132 enable ease of movement andpositioning of the apparatus 128 including the measurement panel 102when the apparatus 128 submerged in a swimming pool.

FIG. 1(d) shows an illustration of a side view of the first stabilizingstructure 130 (shown in FIG. 1(c)) and an adjustable tee structure 136in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Theadjustable tee structure 136 is coupled to the first stabilizingstructure 130 by a fastener 137. An exemplary fastener suitable for usein connection with coupling the first adjustable tee structure 136 tothe first stabilizing structure 130 is a screw and bolt fastener.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in operation the firststabilizing structure 130 is stabilized by securing an instance of theadjustable tee structure 136 to each end of the first stabilizingstructure 130. Similarly, those skilled I the art will appreciate thatin operation the second stabilizing structure 132 is stabilized bysecuring an instance of the adjustable tee structure 136 to each end ofthe second stabilizing structure 132.

The first adjustable tee structure 136 includes a height and leveladjuster 138. Mechanisms suitable for use in connection with the heightand level adjuster 138 include adjustable screw mechanisms andadjustable ratchet mechanisms. In operation, the height and leveladjuster 138 is adjusted to substantially align the top horizontal edge118 (shown in FIG. 1(c)) of the apparatus 128 (shown in FIG. 1(c)) tothe water surface when the apparatus 128 is deployed in a swimming poolfor the purpose of enabling generation of a measurement related to oneor more data points associated with a swimmer's stroke.

FIG. 1(e) shows an illustration of a front view the measurement panel102 (shown in FIG. 1(a)) positioned in a swimming pool having a surface140 and positioned at least partially below the surface 140 of the waterand substantially parallel to the surface 140 of the water. Themeasurement panel 102 is substantially parallel to the surface 140 ofthe water when a first distance 148 between the surface 140 and the tophorizontal edge 118 near the first vertical edge 122 is substantiallyequal to a second distance 150 between the surface 140 and the tophorizontal edge 118 near the second vertical edge 124.

FIG. 1(f) shows an illustration of a top view of a swimmer's path 152 ina swimming pool 154 in relation to the measurement panel 102 (shown inFIG. 1(a)) and a first camera 156 optically aligned substantiallyperpendicular to the measurement panel 102 and a second camera 158optically aligned substantially perpendicular to the measurement panel102 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Thefirst camera 156 is optically aligned substantially perpendicular to themeasurement panel 102 along a first camera optical path 144. The secondcamera 158 is optically aligned substantially perpendicular to themeasurement panel 102 along a second camera optical path 146. The firstcamera optical path 144 is defined as the shortest path from the cameraoptics to the measurement panel 102. The second camera optical path 146is defined as the shortest path from the camera optics to themeasurement panel 102. The swimmer's path 152 is located at a swimmerdistance 160 of between about two and about six feet from themeasurement panel 102 and runs substantially parallel to the measurementpanel 102. In some embodiments, the swimmer's path 152 is located at theswimmer distance 160 of about three feet from the measurement panel 102.

In operation, the first camera 156 is located underwater and at a firstcamera distance 162 of between about one and about three feet from thefirst vertical edge 122. In some embodiments, the first camera distance162 is about two feet. In addition, the first camera 156 is located at afirst camera-to-measurement screen distance 166. In some embodiments,the first camera-to-measurement panel distance 166 is between about tenfeet and about fifteen feet. In operation, the second camera 158 islocated underwater and at a second camera distance 164 of between aboutone and about three feet from the second vertical edge 124. In someembodiments, the second camera distance 164 is about two feet. Inaddition, the second camera 158 is located at a secondcamera-to-measurement panel distance 168. In some embodiments, thesecond camera-to-measurement panel distance 168 is between about tenfeet and about fifteen feet. In some embodiments, the firstcamera-to-measurement panel distance 166 is substantially equal to thesecond camera-to-measurement panel distance 168. Those skilled in theart will appreciate that although an embodiment with two cameras is usedto illustrate operation of the subject matter of the present disclosureother embodiments utilizing a single camera or more than two cameras arealso suitable for use in connection with the subject matter of thepresent disclosure.

The first camera 156 and the second camera 158 are image recordingdevices capable of storing images locally, remotely, or both. The firstcamera 156 and the second camera 158 are not limited to a particulartype of camera. Any camera capable of recording an image of a swimmerunderwater viewed through the measurement grid 110 is suitable for usein connection with recording a swimmer in accordance with theembodiments of the present disclosure. Exemplary image recording devicessuitable for use in connection with recording a swimmer's stroke asviewed through the measurement grid 110 underwater include videocameras, movie cameras, camcorders, and still cameras.

FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram of a method 200 for recording an image of aswimmer in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.The method 200 includes deploying a measurement panel and a camera in aswimming pool having a surface (block 202), positioning the camera torecord an image of a swimmer with the measurement panel positionedbetween the camera and the swimmer (block 204), and recording an imageof the swimmer including an image of the measurement panel superimposedon the image of the swimmer (block 206). In some embodiments, deployingthe measurement panel and the camera in the swimming pool includesaligning an edge of the measurement panel substantially parallel to thesurface of the swimming pool. In some embodiments, positioning thecamera to record the image of the swimmer with the measurement panelpositioned between the camera and the swimmer includes positioning thecamera to record a head on image of the swimmer. In some embodiments,positioning the camera to record the image of the swimmer with themeasurement panel positioned between the camera and the swimmer includespositioning the camera to record a side image of the swimmer.

FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of a method 300 for generating a measurementassociated with a model swimmer in accordance with some embodiments ofthe present disclosure. The method 300 includes generating one or moreimages of a model swimmer while swimming (block 302), loading the one ormore images into a computer (block 304), examining at least one of theone or more images to identify a model swimmer data point associatedwith a swimmer's performance (block 306), counting grid lines associatedwith the model data point to generate a model swimmer measurementassociated with the model data point (block 308), and recording themodel swimmer measurement (block 310). In some embodiments, generatingthe one or more images of the model swimmer while swimming includesgenerating the one or more images of an Olympic swimmer while swimming.

FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram for a method 400 for generating data pointsrelated to a target swimmer's performance in accordance with someembodiments of the present disclosure. The method 400 includes imaging atarget swimmer to form a time series of images (block 402), processingthe time series of images to identify one or more images related to eachof one or more data points associated with a swimmer's performance(404), generating a target swimmer measurement related to each of theone or more target swimmer data points (block 406), and recording thetarget swimmer measurement related to each of the one or more datapoints (block 408). In some embodiments, imaging the target swimmer toform the time series of images includes recording video images of thetarget swimmer's performance. In some embodiments, processing the timeseries of images to identify the one or more images related to each ofthe one or more data points associated with the target swimmer'sperformance includes viewing the time series of images by enlarging thetime series of images on a viewing screen. Enlarging or zooming in onthe tie series of images enables the analyst to identify differences inmechanical motions on the order of centimeters.

FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of a method 500 for generatingrecommendations for changing a target swimmer's performance inaccordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The method500 includes generating a catch phase image of a target swimmer's strokeincluding a data point elbow measurement and a data point foreheadmeasurement (block 502), identifying in the catch phase image adifference in grid lines between the data point elbow measurement andthe data point forehead measurement (block 504), and recommending achange to the target swimmer's stroke if the data point elbowmeasurement is not within a range of measurements generated fromanalyzing a model swimmer's stroke during the catch phase (block 506).In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes imaging the targetswimmer after recommending the change.

FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram of a method 600 for generatingrecommendations for changing the catch phase of a target swimmer'sstroke in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.The method 600 includes processing one or more images associated with aplurality of model swimmers to obtain information related to at leasttwo structural data points related to a swimming stroke having a catchphase (block 602), processing one or more images associated with atarget swimmer to obtain information related to the at least twostructural data points associated with a target swimmer's catch phase(block 604), and generating one or more recommendations to change thecatch phase of the target swimmer to bring the catch phase of the targetswimmer closer to the model swimmer's catch phase (block 606). In someembodiments, processing the one or more images associated with thetarget swimmer to obtain information related to the at least twostructural data points associated with the target swimmer's catch phaseincludes measuring grid lines between the two structural data points.

FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram of a method 700 for generating arecommendation for changing a target swimmer's stroke after contrastingthe target swimmer's stroke with a model swimmer's stroke in accordancewith some embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 700 includesrecording an image of a target swimmer including a swimmer's stroke asviewed through a measurement panel to form an image of the measurementpanel superimposed on the image of the target swimmer (block 702),extracting one or more data points associated with the target swimmer'sstroke from the image of the measurement panel superimposed on the imageof the target swimmer (block 704), contrasting the one or more datapoints associated with the target swimmer's stroke with one or more datapoints associated with a model swimmer's stroke obtained by extractingthe one or more data points associated with a model swimmer's strokefrom one or more model swimmer images generated by recording the modelswimmer through the measurement panel (block 706), and generating one ormore recommendations for changing the target swimmer's stroke to moreclosely approximate the model swimmer's stroke (bock 708). In someembodiments, recording the image of the target swimmer including theswimmer's stroke as viewed through the measurement panel to form theimage of the measurement panel superimposed on the image of the targetswimmer includes recording the image of the target swimmer including thetarget swimmer's stroke to give a side view of the target swimmer. Insome embodiments, recording the image of the target swimmer includingthe swimmer's stroke as viewed through the measurement panel to form theimage of the measurement panel superimposed on the image of the targetswimmer includes recording the image of the target swimmer including thetarget swimmer's stroke to give a front view of the target swimmer.

Four exemplary data points or phases of a freestyle swimmer's strokethat can be analyzed from a head-on underwater perspective using themethod and apparatus of the present disclosure include the extensionphase, catch phase, diagonal phase, and finish phase. First, to analyzea target swimmer and a model swimmer during the extension phase of theswimmer's stroke, a coach creates a time sequence of images of eachswimmer viewed head-on through the measurement panel 102 (shown in FIG.1(a)), selects an image that represents the extensions phase for eachswimmer, and extracts measurement data for each swimmer's hand, elbow,and shoulder. Measurement data for the hand, elbow and shoulder of eachswimmer is extracted from the extension phase images by measuring thedistance between the hand, elbow, and shoulder from a reference point,such as the swimmer's forehead. The measurement data is resolved into avertical (depth) and a lateral measurement in terms of grid line changesfor the hand, elbow, and shoulder of each swimmer. The vertical andlateral measurements for the hand, elbow, and shoulder of the targetswimmer are contrasted with the vertical and lateral measurements forthe hand, elbow, and shoulder of the model swimmer. Recommendations forchanges to the target swimmer's stroke are formulated and provided tothe target swimmer to assist the target swimmer in modifying her stroketo more closely resemble the model swimmer's stroke. Follow-upmeasurements of the target swimmer may be used to evaluate theeffectiveness of the recommendations.

Second, to analyze a target swimmer and a model swimmer during the catchphase of the swimmer's stroke, a coach creates a time sequence of imagesof each swimmer viewed head-on through the measurement panel 102 (shownin FIG. 1(a)), selects images that represents the catch phase and theextension phase, and extracts measurement data for each swimmer's hand,elbow, and shoulder. Measurement data for the hand, elbow and shoulderof each swimmer is extracted from the catch phase images and theextension phase images by measuring the distance between the hand,elbow, and shoulder in the catch phase images and the hand, elbow, andshoulder, respectively, in the extension phase images. The measurementdata is resolved into a vertical (depth) and a lateral measurement interms of grid line changes between the hand, elbow, and shoulder of thecatch phase and the hand, elbow, and shoulder of the extension phase ofeach swimmer. The vertical and lateral measurements for the hand, elbow,and shoulder of the target swimmer are contrasted with the vertical andlateral measurements for the hand, elbow, and shoulder of the modelswimmer. Recommendations for changes to the target swimmer's stroke areformulated and provided to the target swimmer to assist the targetswimmer in modifying her stroke to more closely resemble the modelswimmer's stroke. Follow-up measurements of the target swimmer may beused to evaluate the effectiveness of the recommendations.

Third, to analyze a target swimmer and a model swimmer during thediagonal phase of the swimmer's stroke, a coach creates a time sequenceof images of each swimmer viewed head-on through the measurement panel102 (shown in FIG. 1(a)), selects images that represents the diagonalphase and the catch phase, and extracts measurement data for eachswimmer's hand, elbow, and shoulder. Measurement data for the hand,elbow and shoulder of each swimmer is extracted from the diagonal phaseimages and the catch phase images by measuring the distance between thehand, elbow, and shoulder in the diagonal phase images and the hand,elbow, and shoulder, respectively, in the catch phase images. Themeasurement data is resolved into a vertical (depth) and a lateralmeasurement in terms of grid line changes between the hand, elbow, andshoulder of the diagonal phase images and the hand, elbow, and shoulderof the catch phase images of each swimmer. The vertical and lateralmeasurements for the hand, elbow, and shoulder of the target swimmer arecontrasted with the vertical and lateral measurements for the hand,elbow, and shoulder of the model swimmer. Recommendations for changes tothe target swimmer's stroke are formulated and provided to the targetswimmer to assist the target swimmer in modifying her stroke to moreclosely resemble the model swimmer's stroke. Follow-up measurements ofthe target swimmer may be used to evaluate the effectiveness of therecommendations.

Fourth, to analyze a target swimmer and a model swimmer during thefinish phase of the swimmer's stroke, a coach creates a time sequence ofimages of each swimmer viewed head-on through the measurement panel 102(shown in FIG. 1(a)), selects images that represent the finish phase andthe diagonal phase, and extracts measurement data for each swimmer'shand, elbow, and shoulder. Measurement data for the hand, elbow andshoulder of each swimmer is extracted from the finish phase images andthe diagonal phase images by measuring the distance between the hand,elbow, and shoulder in the finish phase images and the hand, elbow, andshoulder, respectively, in the diagonal phase images. The measurementdata is resolved into a vertical (depth) and a lateral measurement interms of grid line changes between the hand, elbow, and shoulder of thefinish phase images and the hand, elbow, and shoulder of the diagonalphase images of each swimmer. The vertical and lateral measurements forthe hand, elbow, and shoulder of the target swimmer are contrasted withthe vertical and lateral measurements for the hand, elbow, and shoulderof the model swimmer. Recommendations for changes to the targetswimmer's stroke are formulated and provided to the target swimmer toassist the target swimmer in modifying her stroke to more closelyresemble the model swimmer's stroke. Follow-up measurements of thetarget swimmer may be used to evaluate the effectiveness of therecommendations.

Four exemplary data points or phases of a freestyle swimmer's strokethat can be analyzed from a profile underwater perspective using themethod and apparatus of the present disclosure include the extensionphase, catch phase, diagonal phase, and finish phase. First, to analyzea target swimmer and a model swimmer during the extension phase of theswimmer's stroke, a coach creates a time sequence of images of eachswimmer viewed from the side through the measurement panel 102 (shown inFIG. 1(a)), selects an image that represents the extensions phase foreach swimmer, and extracts measurement data for each swimmer's forehead,hand, elbow, and shoulder. Measurement data for the forehead, hand,elbow and shoulder of each swimmer is extracted from the extension phaseimages by measuring the distance between the hand, elbow, and shoulderfrom a reference point, such as the swimmer's forehead. The measurementdata is resolved into a vertical (depth) and a fore-aft measurement interms of grid line changes for the hand, elbow, and shoulder of eachswimmer. The vertical and fore-aft measurements for the hand, elbow, andshoulder of the target swimmer are contrasted with the vertical andfore-aft measurements for the hand, elbow, and shoulder of the modelswimmer. Recommendations for changes to the target swimmer's stroke areformulated and provided to the target swimmer to assist the targetswimmer in modifying her stroke to more closely resemble the modelswimmer's stroke. Follow-up measurements of the target swimmer may beused to evaluate the effectiveness of the recommendations.

Second, to analyze a target swimmer and a model swimmer during the catchphase of the swimmer's stroke, a coach creates a time sequence of imagesof each swimmer viewed from the side through the measurement panel 102(shown in FIG. 1(a)), selects images that represent the catch phase andthe extension phase, and extracts measurement data for each swimmer'sforehead, hand, elbow, and shoulder. In the catch phase images,measurement data for the forehead, hand, elbow and shoulder of eachswimmer is extracted from the catch phase images by measuring thedistance between the hand, elbow, and shoulder and a reference point,such as the swimmer's forehead, to form preliminary catch phasemeasurement data. Measurement data for the hand, elbow and shoulder ofeach swimmer is extracted from the catch phase images in combinationwith the extension phase images by measuring the distance between thepreliminary catch phase measurement data for the hand, elbow, andshoulder and the extension phase measurement data for the hand, elbow,and shoulder, respectively. The measurement data is resolved into avertical (depth) and a fore-aft measurement in terms of grid linechanges between the hand, elbow, and shoulder of the catch phase and thehand, elbow, and shoulder of the extension phase of each swimmer. Thevertical and fore-aft measurements for the hand, elbow, and shoulder ofthe target swimmer are contrasted with the vertical and fore-aftmeasurements for the hand, elbow, and shoulder of the model swimmer.Recommendations for changes to the target swimmer's stroke areformulated and provided to the target swimmer to assist the targetswimmer in modifying her stroke to more closely resemble the modelswimmer's stroke. Follow-up measurements of the target swimmer may beused to evaluate the effectiveness of the recommendations.

Third, to analyze a target swimmer and a model swimmer during thediagonal phase of the swimmer's stroke, a coach creates a time sequenceof images of each swimmer viewed from the side through the measurementpanel 102 (shown in FIG. 1(a)), selects images that represent thediagonal phase and the catch phase, and extracts measurement data foreach swimmer's forehead, hand, elbow, and shoulder. In the diagonalphase images, measurement data for the forehead, hand, elbow andshoulder of each swimmer is extracted from the diagonal phase images bymeasuring the distance between the hand, elbow, and shoulder and areference point, such as the swimmer's forehead, to form preliminarydiagonal phase measurement data. Measurement data for the hand, elbowand shoulder of each swimmer is extracted from the diagonal phase imagesin combination with the catch phase images by measuring the distancebetween the preliminary diagonal phase measurement data for the hand,elbow, and shoulder and the catch phase measurement data for the hand,elbow, and shoulder, respectively. The measurement data is resolved intoa vertical (depth) and a fore-aft measurement in terms of grid linechanges between the hand, elbow, and shoulder of the diagonal phase andthe hand, elbow, and shoulder of the catch phase of each swimmer. Thevertical and fore-aft measurements for the hand, elbow, and shoulder ofthe target swimmer are contrasted with the vertical and fore-aftmeasurements for the hand, elbow, and shoulder of the model swimmer.Recommendations for changes to the target swimmer's stroke areformulated and provided to the target swimmer to assist the targetswimmer in modifying her stroke to more closely resemble the modelswimmer's stroke. Follow-up measurements of the target swimmer may beused to evaluate the effectiveness of the recommendations.

Fourth, to analyze a target swimmer and a model swimmer during thefinish phase of the swimmer's stroke, a coach creates a time sequence ofimages of each swimmer viewed from the side through the measurementpanel 102 (shown in FIG. 1(a)), selects images that represent the finishphase and the diagonal phase, and extracts measurement data for eachswimmer's forehead, hand, elbow, and shoulder. In the finish phaseimages, measurement data for the forehead, hand, elbow and shoulder ofeach swimmer is extracted from the finish phase images by measuring thedistance between the hand, elbow, and shoulder and a reference point,such as the swimmer's forehead, to form preliminary finish phasemeasurement data. Measurement data for the hand, elbow and shoulder ofeach swimmer is extracted from the finish phase images in combinationwith the diagonal phase images by measuring the distance between thepreliminary finish phase measurement data for the hand, elbow, andshoulder and the diagonal phase measurement data for the hand, elbow,and shoulder, respectively. The measurement data is resolved into avertical (depth) and a fore-aft measurement in terms of grid linechanges between the hand, elbow, and shoulder of the finish phase andthe hand, elbow, and shoulder of the diagonal phase of each swimmer. Thevertical and fore-aft measurements for the hand, elbow, and shoulder ofthe target swimmer are contrasted with the vertical and fore-aftmeasurements for the hand, elbow, and shoulder of the model swimmer.Recommendations for changes to the target swimmer's stroke areformulated and provided to the target swimmer to assist the targetswimmer in modifying her stroke to more closely resemble the modelswimmer's stroke. Follow-up measurements of the target swimmer may beused to evaluate the effectiveness of the recommendations.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the four strokephases—extension, catch, diagonal, and finish—are present in each of thefour strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle), withthe exception of the finish phase, which is not present in thebreaststroke. Thus, the teachings of the present disclosure areapplicable to analyzing each of the four strokes. In addition, each ofthe phases may be defined as occurring in a particular time interval ofthe stroke cycle. For example, for a swimmer moving at a moderateup-tempo velocity the four phases are completed in about one second.Hence, the extension phase at this velocity occurs in the time intervalof between about 0 seconds to about 0.25 seconds, the catch phase occursin the time interval of between about 0.25 seconds and about 0.50seconds, the diagonal phase occurs in the time interval of between about0.50 seconds and about 0.75 seconds, and the finish phase occurs in thetime interval of between about 0.75 seconds and about 1.00 seconds. Toanalyze the stroke of a swimmer moving at a higher or lower velocity,the intervals are scaled appropriately.

FIG. 8 shows an illustration of superimposed images 800 including animage of the measurement grid 102 and a head-on view of a modelswimmer's arm 802 and a target swimmer's arm 804 at the diagonal phaseof each swimmer's stroke in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent disclosure. The arm position for each swimmer at the precedingcatch phase were substantially identical. Analysis of these superimposedimages shows that the lateral distance from the tip of the modelswimmer's elbow to the center of the model swimmer's hand is about fourgrid lines. However, analysis of the target swimmer's stroke shows thatthe lateral distance from the tip of the target swimmer's elbow to thecenter of the target swimmer's hand is about two grid lines. Thus, thecorrective recommendation to the target swimmer is to increase thelateral sweep during the diagonal phase of her stroke. Similar datacollection and analysis can be done at any time during a stroke cyclefrom either a head on view or a side view of a target swimmer and amodel swimmer using embodiments of the apparatus and methods of thepresent disclosure.

Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment,” “someembodiments,” or “one embodiment.” means that a particular feature,structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases such as “in someembodiments,” “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,” in variousplaces throughout this specification are not necessarily referring tothe same embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, theparticular features, structures, materials, or characteristics may becombined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

Although explanatory embodiments have been shown and described, it wouldbe appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above embodimentscannot be construed to limit the present disclosure, and changes,alternatives, and modifications can be made in the embodiments withoutdeparting from spirit, principles and scope of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a measurement panel toenable generation of a measurement related to one or more data pointsassociated with a swimmer's stroke.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe measurement panel includes a measurement grid to provide a standardfor measuring the one or more data points associated with the swimmer'sstroke.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: a firststabilizing structure coupled to the measurement panel, the firststabilizing structure coupled to a first adjustable tee structure; and asecond stabilizing structure coupled to the measurement panel, thesecond stabilizing structure coupled to a second adjustable teestructure.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the measurement panelhas a length of between about seven feet and about nine feet and a widthof between about two-and-one-half feet and about four feet and athickness of between about one-tenth of an inch and about three-tenthsof an inch, the measurement panel having an array of holes, each hole inthe array of holes having an area of about 2.25 square inches.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 4, further comprising a first camera opticallyaligned substantially perpendicular to the measurement panel.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 5, further comprising a second camera opticallyaligned substantially perpendicular to the measurement panel.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 6, wherein the measurement panel has a first verticaledge and a second vertical edge and the first camera is positioned aboutthree feet from the measurement panel and inside the first vertical edgeand the second camera is positioned about three feet from themeasurement panel and inside the second vertical edge.
 8. The apparatusof claim 7, wherein the apparatus is deployed in a swimming pool havinga surface and the measurement panel has a horizontal edge alignedsubstantially parallel to the surface by adjusting the first adjustabletee structure and the second adjustable tee structure.
 9. A methodcomprising: deploying a measurement panel and a camera in a swimmingpool having a surface; positioning the camera to record an image of aswimmer with the measurement panel positioned between the camera and theswimmer; and recording an image of the swimmer including an image of themeasurement panel superimposed on the image of the swimmer.
 10. Themethod of claim 9, wherein the deploying the measurement panel and thecamera in the swimming pool comprises: aligning an edge of themeasurement panel substantially parallel to the surface of the swimmingpool.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the positioning the camera torecord the image of the swimmer with the measurement panel positionedbetween the camera and the swimmer comprises: positioning the camera torecord a head on image of the swimmer.
 12. The method of claim 11,wherein the positioning the camera to record the image of the swimmerwith the measurement panel positioned between the camera and the swimmercomprises: positioning the camera to record a side image of the swimmer.